Get to work! Simpson Miller gives Cabinet charge following appointment

Newly appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and the Public Service Dr Peter Phillips (left) is greeted yesterday by Brian Wynter, governor of the Bank of Jamaica, at the ministry's Heroes Circle, Kingston, offices. Phillips met with senior government officials and staff on his first working day at the ministry.- Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

"We will have to work hard and long. Ministers, ministers of state, you know me. I can go all day, all night without ceasing, so you know what is required of you. Now is not the time for joking, no time for enjoyment," Simpson Miller said.

Her address followed a swearing-in ceremony for members of the executive yesterday at King's House.

"I say to the young ones, I have a number of other young persons ... . While we have a number of you appointed today, remember they (other youngsters) are there as well," she said with a serious look on her face.

"If you can't match me in terms of the time and the hard work, understand, this is not about us here this afternoon ... . It is about Jamaica and the people of Jamaica, not about us."

succession planning

Simpson Miller appointed first-time Members of Parliament Damion Crawford, Arnaldo Brown, Julian Robinson and Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams as ministers of state, saying it was critical for succession planning.

Her 28-member executive also includes seasoned persons such as Robert Pickersgill, Dr Omar Davies, Dr Peter Phillips, Derrick Kellier and Roger Clarke.

The prime minister said the single-most important priority of her government is to stimulate economic growth. She pledged to lead a responsive government.

"We intend to make a positive difference to the lives of the people ... . The Jamaican people placed their dreams, their hopes and their aspirations in our hands. We now have a responsibility to fulfil, on their behalf, our obligations," Simpson Miller said.

"You have a serious responsibility. You have no time, get to your offices now and start the ball a rolling," she said.

"We have no time. The interest of the Jamaican people must be kept in front of each and everyone of us. On to the work, now, to your offices, and get the ball rolling," the prime minister stressed.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen told the new ministers that "the nation is waiting on you to give of your best".